In the novel "The Stone Angel" by Margaret Laurence, the stone angel serves several symbolic functions throughout the story. Here are some of the key functions attributed to the stone angel:
Symbol of
Hagar's Pride: The stone angel represents Hagar Shipley, the protagonist of the
novel, and serves as a symbol of her pride and stubbornness. Like the angel,
Hagar is unyielding and resistant to change, often to her own detriment.
What are the various
functions that the stone angel serves in the novel The Stone Angel
Reminder of
Mortality: The stone angel acts as a constant reminder of mortality and the
inevitability of death. It stands as a grave marker in the cemetery,
symbolizing the finality of life and the passing of time.
Representation
of Hagar's Father: The stone angel is a memorial for Hagar's father, Jason
Currie, and thus represents her complex and strained relationship with him. It
embodies the dominance, rigidity, and emotional distance that characterized
their connection.
Reflection of
Hagar's Isolation: The stone angel is situated in a cemetery, reflecting
Hagar's own isolation and her feeling of being trapped and alone in her old
age. It serves as a visual representation of her emotional and physical
isolation from her family and community.
Symbol of Lost
Dreams and Unfulfilled Potential: The weathered and deteriorating state of the
stone angel mirrors Hagar's own aging and decline. It represents the lost
dreams, unfulfilled potential, and regrets that accumulate over a lifetime.
Signifier of
Redemption and Spiritual Awakening: Towards the end of the novel, the stone
angel becomes a catalyst for Hagar's spiritual transformation and search for
redemption. As she reflects on her life, she begins to see the stone angel as a
symbol of compassion, forgiveness, and the possibility of finding peace before
death.
These functions
of the stone angel contribute to the overall themes of the novel, exploring
issues of pride, mortality, family dynamics, isolation, and the search for
meaning and redemption in one's life.
Representation
of Hagar's Past: The stone angel acts as a visual reminder of Hagar's past, her
family history, and the events that have shaped her life. It connects her to
her roots and the struggles she has experienced.
Signifier of
Mortality and Time: The stone angel's placement in the cemetery emphasizes the
themes of mortality and the passing of time. It serves as a reminder of death
and the fleeting nature of life.
Expression of
Hagar's Isolation: The stone angel stands alone in the cemetery, echoing
Hagar's own sense of isolation and loneliness. It symbolizes her emotional and
social detachment from others.
Representation
of Fading Beauty and Aging: The deteriorating condition of the stone angel
parallels Hagar's own physical decline and fading beauty. It symbolizes the
effects of time and aging on both the statue and the protagonist.
Catalyst for
Self-Reflection: The stone angel prompts Hagar to reflect on her life, past
choices, and the consequences of her actions. It becomes a catalyst for her to
confront her regrets and seek redemption.
Symbol of
Redemption and Transformation: Towards the end of the novel, the stone angel
takes on a new significance. It represents the possibility of redemption,
forgiveness, and spiritual transformation for Hagar as she seeks reconciliation
and peace.
By serving
these multiple functions, the stone angel adds depth and symbolism to the
narrative, reflecting Hagar's journey and exploring themes such as pride,
mortality, family relationships, isolation, and the search for meaning in life.
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